So, you’ve decided to add a new axolotl to your tank? That’s awesome! But the first thing you need to know is that introducing a new axolotl isn’t as simple as just dropping them in and hoping for the best.
It takes a little prep work, a steady hand, and some patience to make sure everything goes smoothly. You don’t want to stress out your new axolotl, and you definitely don’t want your current axolotls to feel threatened.
Let’s walk through the steps to make sure everyone in your tank stays happy and healthy!
Preparing the Tank for a New Axolotl

Before you even think about putting the new axolotl in the water, you need to make sure your tank is ready for the new addition. You’ve probably already got a tank setup for your current axolotl, but adding another means checking a few things to make sure everything’s just right.
Fewer than 1,000 axolotls exist in the wild, making them critically endangered.
Tank Size and Space
One of the first things to think about is tank size. If you’ve been keeping axolotls for a while, you know they need their space. A single axolotl should have at least a 20-gallon tank, but for each new one you add, you’ll need more room.
For two axolotls, a 30-gallon tank is a minimum. More space reduces stress, lowers territorial behavior, and gives them room to swim and hide.
Proper Water Parameters
Water quality is key, so make sure your water parameters are stable and healthy for both axolotls. This includes:
- Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 60°F to 64°F (16°C to 18°C). Anything higher can cause stress and even illness in axolotls.
- pH Level: A pH range of 6.5-8.0 is ideal.
- Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate Levels: You’ll need to make sure ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 ppm, and nitrate should be under 20 ppm. High levels of ammonia or nitrite can harm both your new and current axolotl.
Consider setting up a filter with gentle flow. Axolotls don’t like strong currents, so look for filters made specifically for axolotl tanks. Don’t forget about water changes—regular, weekly water changes help keep everything in balance.
The axolotl genome contains 32 billion base pairs, the second longest in the animal kingdom.
Hiding Spots
Axolotls are shy creatures, and they need places to hide. Adding a few more hiding spots before you introduce the new axolotl will give them both options to retreat to if they feel stressed.
You can use caves, plants, or even PVC pipes to create hideouts. This helps reduce any territorial behavior and ensures they feel safe.
Quarantining the New Axolotl
It might be tempting to introduce your new axolotl to your tank right away, but quarantining them first is essential. A quarantine period of 2-4 weeks helps ensure the new axolotl is healthy and free from diseases that could spread to your current pet.
Why Quarantine?
When you get a new axolotl, there’s a chance they could carry parasites, bacteria, or other health issues that aren’t visible right away. Quarantining your new axolotl allows you to monitor their health and ensure they don’t bring any unwanted diseases into your main tank. During this time, make sure to:
- Observe their behavior for signs of illness like lack of appetite, strange swimming patterns, or changes in their appearance.
- Test the water regularly in the quarantine tank to ensure it stays clean and stable.
- Isolate them in a tank that has the same water conditions as your main tank.
Females can lay between 300 to 1,000 eggs during breeding.
After quarantine, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your new axolotl is healthy and ready for the main tank.
The Introduction Process: Step-by-Step
Once the quarantine period is over, it’s time to introduce the new axolotl to your main tank. But don’t rush this part. A well-planned introduction helps reduce stress for both axolotls.
Step 1: Float the New Axolotl Bag
Start by floating the bag with the new axolotl in the main tank for about 15-20 minutes. This helps equalize the water temperature between the two tanks and reduces shock. Don’t skip this step—temperature differences can stress your axolotl and lead to health problems.
Step 2: Gradual Introduction
After floating the bag, it’s time to release your new axolotl. But instead of just dumping them in, gradually introduce them to the tank. Slowly and gently place the new axolotl in the water, keeping an eye on how your current axolotls react.
You might want to let the new axolotl swim around in a separate, smaller area of the tank before giving them access to the whole space. This helps prevent any immediate aggression.
Step 3: Monitor the Interaction
Watch carefully as the new axolotl enters the tank. There will likely be some initial exploration and maybe even a bit of chasing. This is normal as they figure out their place. If things start to get too aggressive, consider using a divider for a few days until they settle in.
But generally, a peaceful introduction should lead to both axolotls becoming more comfortable with each other over time.
What to Expect: Behavior After Introduction
After the new axolotl is in the tank, expect a few days of adjustment. Here’s what to look for:
- Territorial Behavior: Some axolotls are more territorial than others, and you might notice your original axolotl acting possessive over certain areas of the tank. It’s important to give them time to adjust, and if necessary, add more hiding spots.
- Chasing or Nudging: A little chasing is normal as they sort out who’s who in the tank. However, if the behavior becomes aggressive (biting or tail chasing), you may need to temporarily separate them.
- Settling In: Give it time—axolotls are slow to adjust, and after a week or two, they’ll likely settle down and start living in harmony. During this time, be patient and observe them regularly.
Potential Problems and How to Handle Them
While most introductions go smoothly, things can sometimes get tricky. Here’s what to watch out for and how to handle it.
Aggression and Fighting
Occasionally, axolotls can get a bit too territorial, especially if they’re not used to sharing their space. If you notice constant fighting or stress (like one axolotl hiding all the time), consider these solutions:
- Increase hiding spots: The more places for them to retreat to, the better. Adding extra plants, rocks, or caves can help reduce conflict.
- Use a tank divider: This can give the new axolotl time to adjust without feeling threatened.
- Reassess tank size: If your tank is too small, your axolotls might not have enough room to avoid each other. If that’s the case, consider upgrading to a larger tank.
Health Issues
If one of your axolotls starts showing signs of stress or illness after the introduction, act quickly. Look for symptoms like:
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen gills
- Color changes or faded markings
In this case, you might need to separate the affected axolotl and set up a quarantine tank. If the problem persists, contact a vet who specializes in aquatic animals for guidance.
Overcrowding
Sometimes, adding another axolotl to your tank can lead to overcrowding, especially in smaller tanks. If you see the axolotls bumping into each other too much or constantly competing for space, it’s a sign your tank is too small. Adding more hiding spots, or upgrading to a larger tank, can help.
The Key to Success: Patience
In the world of axolotls, patience is crucial. The more time you give them to adjust, the better your chances for a smooth and peaceful tank. It’s easy to want everything to be perfect right away, but axolotls need time to get used to one another.
Keep an eye on them, make sure the water stays clean, and keep an eye out for any health issues. As long as you’re patient, you’ll soon see both axolotls settling into their new life together.
What to Do After the Introduction
Once the new axolotl is integrated into your tank and both are getting along, there are a few things you can do to keep everything running smoothly.
Regular Tank Maintenance
- Monitor water quality: Regularly check the water’s ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
- Weekly water changes: Keep the tank clean and fresh to reduce the risk of illness and stress.
- Keep an eye on behavior: Even after the initial introduction, keep an eye on both axolotls for any signs of stress, aggression, or illness.
Ongoing Observation
As your new axolotl gets more comfortable, you might notice subtle changes in their behavior. You might even see your axolotls becoming friends—sharing space and swimming side by side. But remember, every axolotl is different, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a bit of time for them to get along.
Wrapping Up
Introducing a new axolotl to your tank is a big task, but if you follow these steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition. Take your time, be patient, and make sure your tank is well-prepared and your axolotls have the space and comfort they need.
Remember, every axolotl is unique, so while some may take to their new environment quickly, others might need a little more time to adjust. Keep an eye on their behavior and water quality, and be ready to step in if any issues arise.
With patience, attention to detail, and a little TLC, you’ll soon have a peaceful, thriving axolotl tank with both your original and new friends living in harmony. Enjoy watching them grow and interact in their new home!
References
Question about how to introduce a new lotl to my current one – Reddit
How to Set Up an Axolotl Tank – Instructables
Bringing Home Your Axolotl – Introducing to a New Tank – Axolotl City
How soon should I put in axolotls after setting up a tank? – Quora
How to put axolotls in their new tank – Caudata.org
Disclaimer
This content on Bagrica is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for pet care or farming advice. Bagrica is not liable for any actions taken based on this information.
No Comment! Be the first one.